Portable gas heating apparatus for attachment to a pressurized gas source and method thereof

Abstract

A method and system for breathing gas heat exchange for use with an underwater pressurized gas source connected to a breathing apparatus comprising a length of tubing sufficient in diameter and length to allow heat exchange of expanding gas from the pressurized source to the breathing apparatus in order to substantially increase the temperature of the expanding gas. The tubing being made of a heat conducting material and being wholly unenclosed and open for contact with ambient fluid within which the method and system is used.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A gas heat exchange device for use with an underwater pressurized gas source connected to a breathing apparatus comprising the combination of: 
 a length of tubing sufficient in diameter and length to allow heat exchange of cooled gas from said pressurized source to said breathing apparatus to substantially increase the temperature of said breathing gas, said length of said tubing being made of a heat conducting material and being wholly exposed and open for contact with ambient fluid within which said device is used.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said ambient fluid is water.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein said expanding gas flows from said pressurized gas source to said breathing apparatus step wise through: 
 a) a first stage regulator,    b) said inlet tube,    c) said length of said tubing,    d) a manifold block with multiple outlet ports,    e) a plurality of outlet tubes, and    f) a second stage regulator.    
     
     
         4 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein a protective housing with an open grating connectively attaches to said multiple out ports and covers said tubing.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 4 , wherein said tubing is about ½″ in diameter, is about 6′ in length and is made of copper.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 4 , wherein said tubing contains end fittings allowing said inlet tube and said multiple out ports to be attached thereto.  
     
     
         7 . The method of increasing the temperature of an expanding gas from a pressurized tank used in a SCUBA system comprising the steps of: 
 allowing said gas from said pressurized tank to expand and to flow through a length of tubing sufficient in diameter and length to allow heat exchange of expanding gas from said pressurized tank to substantially increase the temperature of said gas, said length of said tubing being made of a heat conducting material and being wholly unenclosed and open for contact with ambient fluid within which said method is used.    
     
     
         8 . The method as set forth in  claim 7 , wherein said ambient fluid is water.  
     
     
         9 . The method as set forth in  claim 8 , wherein said tubing is about ½″ in diameter, is about 6′ in length and is made of copper.  
     
     
         10 . A gas heat exchange device for use in scuba apparatus using an underwater pressurized gas source connected to a breathing apparatus comprising the combination of: 
 a length of metal tubing configured in serpentine shape and operatively connected to said pressurized gas source and being sufficient in diameter and length to allow heat exchange of cooled gas from said pressurized source to said breathing apparatus to substantially increase the temperature of said breathing gas, said length of said tubing being made of a heat conducting material and being wholly exposed and open for contact with ambient fluid within which said device is used, and    a protective open, grid-like member encompassing at least a portion of said tubing in protective relationship therewith.